Hi A.J,
This topic has been discussed at various times before, e.g.
- a guyed pole / mast is reliable and predictable every time
- many summits don’t have trees, trees in the right location or trees with convenient branches
- the extra height that might be obtained with a tall tree makes little practical difference to antenna performance
- it’s usually quicker to erect a wire antenna on a pole than from a tree
- most activators lack the skill and tools to get a support rope high enough (compared to a 6m / 8m pole)
- there’s always a risk of support rope getting irretrievably stuck in the tree.
A telescoping pole gets my vote every time.
regards, Andy